Heartland Forward is seeking a programmatic, government affairs, policy and/or economic development professional that will support collaboration with multiple stakeholders to advance programs, advocacy and public policy activities with a focus on entrepreneurship, human capital and workforce development.
Summary
The program manager will support Heartland Forward’s work for its program activation and public policy activities in two of four program areas 1) Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2) Human Capital and Workforce Development, 3) Health and Wellness and 4) Regional Competitiveness.
The program manager will report to the program director of entrepreneurship, human capital and workforce development and will work closely with the Heartland Forward team to help in establishing the agenda for innovative approaches in these focus areas.
This position will play a role in helping turn our research into action by increasing brand awareness, supporting new partnerships that will position Heartland Forward as a leader in entrepreneurship, human capital and workforce initiatives, policy solutions and a resource to help strengthen Heartland communities. Much of the work will be directed toward state-level initiatives to support efforts for Heartland Forward’s focus areas. Broader work will support initiatives at the federal, state, regional and local levels. The manager will assist Heartland Forward and its leadership team as they engage leaders, philanthropy, policymakers, investors, education institutions and our broader heartland network.
The manager must be effective in working alongside other team members in developing, communicating and pitching a strategy that creates opportunities for Heartland Forward to be a resource for communities on effective programs, public policy and practices consistent with Heartland Forward’s research and our overall mission/vision.
Responsibilities
Support program specific strategies that develop and promote entrepreneurship, human capital and workforce development by researching trends/ activities and sharing insights with a simplified/accelerated approach on how Heartland Forward can serve as a resource to strengthen communities.
Research best practices on workforce development programs-including career pathways, apprenticeship programs, advanced manufacturing, re-engaging disconnected workers, health care workforce, broadband and the future of work.
Research best practices on entrepreneurship programs-including small business development, capital deployment, technical assistance for entrepreneurs and small businesses and high tech/high growth programs.
Help meet goals by which we measure program and policy impact. This work will be done in coordination with Heartland Forward’s leadership and public policy director.
In coordination with the communications and research teams - develop and manage presentations, one-pagers/white papers, collateral and written/digital communication to support program focus area.
Support program director and leadership team as we maintain relationships with elected officials at a local, state, and national level and with other key stakeholders.
Coordinate with broader programs team to develop community toolkits and resources. Support cohesive coordination/collaboration between program workstreams and the broader ecosystem.
Effectively communicate with program director and heartland team by providing ongoing updates and relevant content to ensure full alignment with overall team.
Support Heartland Forward’s flagship event the Heartland Summit.
Who we are looking for:
Basic qualifications required for the role:
Additional preferred qualifications and helpful experience includes:
Characteristics that support success:
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a 501 (c) (3) nonpartisan, nonprofit “think and do tank.” Heartland Forward's mission is to improve economic performance in the center of the United States by advocating for fact-based solutions to foster job creation, knowledge-based and inclusive growth and improved health outcomes. We conduct independent, data-driven research to facilitate action-oriented discussion and impactful policy recommendations.
Heartland Forward is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status of protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.